Prosecutors reviewing new case against Chico music instructor

OROVILLE — Prosecutors are still reviewing the case of a Chico music instructor arrested last Wednesday for allegedly exposing himself in front of a 17-year-old female.

The Butte County District Attorney's Office has not yet filed a criminal complaint in the new case against Breazid "Sid" Lewis, 45, according to District Attorney Mike Ramsey. He said the Butte County Sheriff's Office is still investigating the matter and his office is reviewing material as it comes in.

The Sheriff's Office arrested Lewis on a warrant for alleged misdemeanor child molestation or annoyance.

An arraignment date has been set for March 14.

Generally, local law enforcement agencies conduct investigations and arrests while the District Attorney's Office reviews cases prior to filing charges in Butte County Superior Court.

Lewis' arrest stemmed from a complaint about an alleged incident at his West Sacramento Avenue residence in Chico reported on Feb. 7.

According to the Sheriff's Office, Lewis allegedly masturbated in front of a 17-year-old female while she was working in the house. She was a former student of Lewis' Chico School of Rock hired to perform household tasks.

Ramsey said his office is also investigating a 1990 conviction in Shasta County on an identical charge. He said the earlier case may elevate the new one into a felony.

Online court records for Shasta County indicate Lewis had a 1990 conviction expunged in 2000.

He subsequently filed a certificate of rehabilitation in Butte County in 2001.

Lewis faces trial May 5 in an unrelated case. He is charged with felony counts of corporal injury to cohabitant and assault with a firearm for an alleged incident involving a 40-year-old woman on Jan. 20, 2013.